Dirtbreath

Really just missing the gist of what you are saying here but cops and common sense dont fit in the same vocab for me. Spent a lot of time going through red tape at joburg Parks and Jra with no joy.

@Patches. U keen on setting up a little beginner obstacle course somewhere on the Spruit? Little kerbs, some steps to help newbies negotiate simple obstacles?

Walk your bike like you've done since grade 1, yes. So many people actually do this. There are the couple who test there skills here. Ride little ramp here, eish didnt see taxi pull out and robot up there turn green, ooh misjudged gsp, unclip, off bike, up and over this awkward kerb, cars flying from left now, shirt they've rearranged these gum poles again? Whew that was close. Not trying to be anal but would hate something to happen here cos I've seen some close calls. Tell you what. I'll take it upon myself to chat to the guys at Virgin snd see how they can help. Maybe they can put in a bit of an effort like that guy closer to Delta with his little garden. Anyone stopped to check it out?

There is a stop sign on Red Route Harkerville. It does grab your attention.

We have such a negative spirit of protest in this country. Toy toy, flip bins etc. as long as we're having fun. How about chicks in bikinis handing out flowers to waiting motorists? Flyers with the message?

I partly agree with you. Ramps are good but I think at this particular section of road they create a false sense of security which detracts from the danger posed by cars coming both ways at high speed. Beginner rides are often unaware of traffic as they are guided by more senior riders in their group and follow blindly. Maybe some assistance from Virgin to make this a safe crossing before something happens?

But he wouldnt have taken a photo with his iPhone cos he aint a sheeple.

Tough job. Jumping red lights irks me but I cant see an amicable way of keeping the ride flowing and satisfying motorists. Maybe more marshalls at an intersection and hand out some flyers or something. So many curious bystanders.

Fellow cyclists. Having not been on the Spruit for a while I have noticed someone build concrete ramps to assist the less skilled crossing the road. Apart from this being illegal it is also dangerous as those still learning get a sense of bravado and want to fly across this section of road. The island is quite a challenge and has seen many kerbstones smashed. The South side is an obstacle course what with the everchanging gumpole fences and Virgin building works. If you feel unconfident riding this intersection. Stop and carry your bike. It really doesnt knock points off your standing as a cycling. Bailing sng god forbid being hit by a speeding car on this fast section of road does however. Build up these skills somewhere quiet.

Try a Critical Mass ride to see what a wrong message is sent out about cyclists and their ability/need to abide by traffic laws. Albeit in the name of protest, still not cool in my books.

Hmmm. Funny how they dont use a Game/Makro special.

If only they could have harnessed the enery from those rocking Fords and Chevvies.

http://www.bicycling.com/beginners/bikes-gear/when-splurge-when-save

Cheapies can have good contact points? You mean get something that ticks the box not necessarily throw cash at the upgrade?

Cant seem to find it but Andre ZA did a great little sketch for that thread to illustrate what you are asking. In a nutshell, 1/16 chain worn, replace. 1/8, chain worn and has damaged cassette which will damage new chain hence replace both.

There is/should be a great sticky in teck q&a.

Agree on saddle, not sure bout pedals though. Why do you think so?

I've been sedentary of late. A side effect has been a pain in the heel, feels like a bruise. This is supposesdly an indication of tight hamstrings and a knockon being nerves in the foot. My first port of call was to walk barefoot but ith other nerve issues I tried the five fingers which did help a bit. Getting back into Pilates helped a bit more. The hamstrings were also related to a tight lower back. Not sure if this is similar to your problem.

I have blinged my sceptic wife's bike with numerous upgrades. Normlly I get a raised eyebrow. Put a hand me down wheelset (much better than what she had) on for her that had tubeless with lower tyres pressures. She still raves about tht ride which was on our regular trail and how her bike felt so much better. All my own upgrades satisfy the nut in me. Far more benefit from proper setup and setting brakes, gears etc. Wont stop my habit though.

Remember to be fully kitted up when you set sag. Anal, but you are going to ll this effort so might as well. Youtube is your friend.

I have developed add when it comes to not locking my brakes on technical sections. It Grates me when I see guys locking their rear brakes and just sldiing down a section which should be rolled down. It just destroys the line and creates erosion. I know, chill and take a deep breath. Just one of those things though.

Have a look for recommended sags for your type of riding and use that along with what you have as a starting pont and tweak from there. Take your pump on some rides dedicated to dialing your suspension in. Ride short bumpy a few times in a row playing with settings so you get an idea how your suspension works and if your lockout is faulty or not.

Do a search for a thread about a defective Magura fork. You will see people's attitude to suppliers replacing a product as a gesture of goodwill instead of bad publicity for poor backup.

Why?

Still busy with the book but was amazed when reading Tyler's book as to how much these guys actually earn. Doping aside, Lance is understandably in a much higher salary/endorsment ban so a figure of 100k does not shock that much. What charities was he promoting?